Cavusin In Cappadocia – Turkey’s Forgotten Churches

Imagine stumbling across Goreme Valley, full of forgotten churches and an ancient village castle, many of which have been carved into timeless rock formations known as fairy chimneys, perhaps even seeing it all from a hot airballoon. Imagine visiting Cavusin in Cappadocia, Turkey. You can do just that, and you can do it in comfort and style with one of our flawless Egypt and Turkey Tours.

7 Interesting Facts about Cavusin in Cappadocia, Turkey

1. Ancient Village: Cavusin is one of the oldest villages in Cappadocia, with a history that dates back to the early Christian period. Its ancient rock-cut churches and homes offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
2. Rock-Cut Churches: Cavusin is renowned for its rock-cut churches, including the Church of St. John the Baptist, which is one of the largest and oldest in Cappadocia. These churches are adorned with stunning frescoes that depict biblical scenes.
3. Unique Landscape: The village is surrounded by Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys and unique rock formations. These natural wonders create a surreal landscape that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
4. Abandoned Village: In the 20th century, the original village of Cavusin was abandoned due to rockfalls and erosion. The residents relocated to a new area nearby, leaving behind a ghost village that adds to the area’s mystique.
5. Panoramic Views: Cavusin offers some of the best panoramic views in Cappadocia. From the top of the village, visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys and rock formations, especially during sunrise and sunset.
6. Hiking Trails: The village is a starting point for several popular hiking trails in Cappadocia. Trails like the Rose Valley and Red Valley offer adventurers the chance to explore the region’s natural beauty up close.
7. Cultural Heritage: Cavusin is a testament to the region’s diverse cultural heritage. The village has been home to various civilizations over the centuries, including the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on the landscape and architecture.

Exploring Cavusin’s Hidden Treasures

Turkey is a land of never ending mystery; a land which has fascinated historians and travelers for countless years with its historical sites, and a land that will continue to attract visitors for many years to come. From modern resorts to historical Turkey tourist attractions which are almost as old as the the human race itself, Turkey has something for everyone.

Imagine visiting a place and discovering an almost forgotten valley of ancient churches, many of which have been cut into timeless rock formations. It’s difficult to imagine that such a place could even exist, at least until you visit Cavusin in Cappadocia, Turkey.

On Top Of The Hill In The Old Town Of Cavusin

If you visit the old town Cavusin in Cappadocia, and you turn your gaze to the top of the hill, the first thing you’ll see is the ancient Church of St John the Baptist which dates back to the early part of the 5th century. Five centuries later, the original church was divided into three separate areas in order to prevent it from collapsing, and this strategy certainly worked because the church is still there to this day.

Unfortunately however, many of the once vibrantly colored frescos in this particular church have faded over the years, although there are many frescos which are still clearly visible. The frescos are not the highlight of this old church however. Instead, people are astonished by it since it is almost cathedral-like in appearance.

Most of our Egypt and Turkey tour packages include a few days in Cappadocia, and a visit to Cavusin Church can easily be added to any one of our existing tour itinerary if requested.

Cavusin Church

Cavusin Church is also known as the Nicephorus Phocus Church or the “barrel-vaulted church” and it was originally constructed in 964/965. Today, the church is no longer in perfect shape, however, it is famous for its many biblical related frescos which include scenes depicting events such as:

• Joseph’s dream
• Descent from the cross
• Healing of the blind man
• Killing of Zacharias

Cavusin to Goreme – Why You Need To Explore The Valley

The area connecting Cavusin and Göreme is known as the Red Valley or Rose Valley, and it too has several cave churches. The most prominent cave church in the valley is the Uzumlu Church, and it can be found in a rock formation which the locals refer to as being a fairy chimney.

The rock formation here has been hollowed out and carved into what can be described as a complex of monasteries, with the church itself occupying the lowest level. Although no solid evidence exists, most historians agree that the church was constructed either in the 8th or 9th century.

Other popular attractions at the village of Cavusin in Cappadocia include Hacli Kilise, or as the locals call it, the “Church With The Cross.” However, it should not be confused with the “Church With Three Crosses” which is located nearby. While both churches are definitely worth a visit, the former is well known for its almost perfect acoustic qualities.

Cavusin in Cappadocia – Off The Beaten Track

The cave churches mentioned in the paragraphs above are the most popular among tourists, but this is only because of advertising and marketing campaigns. They are spectacular, but that that doesn’t mean they are the best. A great deal depends on what you are looking for.

If you want the convenience of a well organized guided tour, then these are the churches you need to visit. If on the other hand you are searching for a more “spiritual” experience at Cavusin in Cappadocia, then perhaps you need to visit some of those ancient cave churches that have never made it into guidebooks.

Just like Istanbul is home to countless underground cisterns, Göreme and Cavusin in Cappadocia are home to an unbelievable number of ancient cave churches and more than just one grand rock-cut castle. In fact, there are so many of these cave churches in the area, that you’ll find most of them totally deserted.

Imagine sitting down in a cave church, complete with spectacular frescos, and one which is essentially thousands of years old. Imagine sitting there, without another human being in sight.

8 Must-See Attractions Near Cavusin in Cappadocia, Turkey

1. Göreme Open-Air Museum: Just a short drive from Cavusin, this UNESCO World Heritage site features a complex of rock-cut churches and monasteries. Many of the cave churches at the magnificent Goreme Open Air Museum are also home to many stunning frescoes dating back to the 10th century.
2. Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): Known for its remarkable fairy chimneys, Pasabag offers visitors the chance to explore unique rock formations and ancient monk cells carved into the rocks.
3. Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Famous for its whimsical rock formations that resemble animals and other shapes, Devrent Valley is a great spot for photography and imagination.
4. Love Valley: Named for its phallic-shaped rock formations, Love Valley offers scenic hiking trails and panoramic views, making it a popular spot for both nature lovers and photographers.
5. Avanos: Located along the Kızılırmak River, Avanos is known for its pottery workshops and charming old town. Visitors can try their hand at pottery-making or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank.
6. Uchisar Castle: This towering rock formation is the highest point in Cappadocia and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Uchisar’s Castle’s interior is a maze of rooms and tunnels carved into the rock.
7. Red Valley: Renowned for its vibrant red-hued rock formations, Red Valley is a favorite among hikers and offers stunning views, especially during sunset.
8. Kaymakli Underground City: One of the largest and most well-preserved underground cities in Cappadocia, Kaymakli offers a fascinating exploration of subterranean tunnels, rooms, and storage areas used by early Christians to escape persecution.

Turkey Tour Packages

Learn more about our Turkey Tour Packages here…

Egypt And Turkey Tours

Whether you want to explore the attractions of modern day Istanbul, or whether you want to lose yourself exploring the ancient cave churches of Cavusin in Cappadocia, you can find the ultimate package holiday by exploring our Egypt and Turkey tours. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’ll design a package just for you.

Design Your Custom Turkey Tour

Explore Turkey your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

CREATE YOUR DREAM TRIP

Last Updated on July 1, 2024